Follow My Passion, Find My Voice: Meet Amanda, Class of 2025

As part of our ongoing series spotlighting outstanding members of the DAIS/Huamei Class of 2025, we’re proud to feature Amanda Jiang - a student whose passion for physics and advocacy for women in STEM have left a lasting impact on our community. In her junior year, she founded WinS (Women in STEM), a student-led initiative empowering young girls to explore science and technology. In this interview, Amanda shares her journey, her mission, and the passion that continues to guide her.

High School Journey: Year by Year

I first walked into DAIS/Huamei as a ninth grader—quiet, a little uncertain, but already fascinated by how the world works. I had always been interested in physics, but it was Mr. Sim who made me fall in love with it. His high standards didn’t intimidate me; in fact, they motivated me. I found joy in meeting his challenges head-on and pride in consistently earning a 4.0. It was during this time that I knew: physics wasn’t just a subject I liked—it was the field I wanted to pursue in college and beyond.

^{Amanda (middle) in STEM class}

Tenth grade was unexpectedly one of the hardest times in my high school journey—not necessarily because the physics material itself was harder, but because the learning environment became more difficult. That experience tested me in ways I didn’t expect. But in that period of confusion, I grew. It was during this time that I truly began to build the mindset to stay grounded, do what I believed was right, and push forward even when circumstances felt discouraging. 

I’m thankful for Mr. Sanchez, who offered emotional support and always encouragement during that time, and for Mr. Mazarakis, whose humor and passion for math reminded me of the joy that learning could still be joyful. Through it all, I never lost sight of my love for physics—and I came out of that year stronger, more self-driven, and more committed than ever that physics is my path.

^{Amanda (left) with Mr. Sanchez, AP Chemistry teacher at DAIS}

Eleventh grade was my most rewarding year. For the first time, I was in classes with older students who shared my passion, and I thrived in that environment. Dr. Liu’s AP Calculus BC class opened a new world for me. I remember the moment I used calculus to prove Einstein’s equation, E=mc²—it changed how I saw everything. The universe suddenly looked more connected, more elegant, more understandable.

That same year, I became aware of a painful truth: very few girls around me were interested in STEM. I launched a survey and found that the stereotype that girls aren’t good at STEM was still deeply rooted. I couldn’t ignore it. That’s why I founded WinS—Women in STEM.

Through WinS, I invited accomplished women in STEM to speak to girls’ parents, led visits to tech companies where our members met inspiring female leaders and engineers, and brought hands-on science experiments to little girls in local elementary schools. I’ll never forget the look in a young girl’s eyes when she pulled me aside and asked if she could take a set of experiment tools home—to show her little sister. That moment reminded me why I started, and why I must continue.

^{Girls from a local school surrounding Amanda}

Senior year has been defined by reflection. College applications demanded months of school research, soul-searching, and writing. It was stressful—there’s no denying that—but it also gave me a clearer understanding of who I am and what I care about. I’m proud of every sentence I wrote because each one represents a step in this journey of growth. This year didn’t just confirm my commitment to studying physics—it reaffirmed my mission to advocate for girls in STEM.

Looking Ahead: University Bound

Choosing a university wasn’t easy. I considered many options before deciding on UC San Diego. It offers strong programs in science and engineering, a safe and welcoming environment, and a climate that makes you feel at ease. It felt like the right place for both my academic path and my well-being.

^{Amanda (left) with Dr. Liu}

If I had to summarize my high school experience in one word, it would be passion. I’ve followed it, trusted it, and fought for it—through challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. I owe so much to my role model, Dr. Liu, whose belief in me gave me the courage to keep pushing forward.

And now, as I close this chapter and prepare for the next, I don’t claim to be perfect. But as I’ve always said: I'm not perfect, but it's always me.

Text: Amanda Jiang
Editor: Svetlana Ulyakhina
Pictures: Amanda, DAIS